UN Secretary-General Condemns Guinea-Bissau Coup

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau and called for the immediate restoration of the country’s constitutional order.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Guterres expressed deep concern over the ongoing developments, strongly denouncing any actions that violate the constitutional order. He also emphasized that undermining the will of the people, who peacefully cast their votes in the general elections on November 23, represents an unacceptable breach of democratic principles.

“Any attempt to disregard the peaceful expression of the people’s will during the recent elections is a violation of fundamental democratic values,” the spokesperson said, quoting the Secretary-General.

Guterres called for the unconditional and immediate restoration of constitutional order, including the release of all individuals who have been detained in connection with the coup, such as election officials, opposition leaders, and other political figures.

The UN chief also urged all parties to exercise restraint, adhere to the rule of law, and resolve disputes through peaceful, inclusive dialogue and legal channels.

Meanwhile, Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed grave concern over reports coming out of Guinea-Bissau. He specifically called for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained. Turk also voiced concern about the temporary closure of independent radio stations, disruptions to internet access, and the reported use of live ammunition to disperse peaceful protesters in the capital, Bissau.

The African Union (AU) issued a strong condemnation of the coup, with Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, reiterating the AU’s zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes of government. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, emphasizing that the National Election Commission is the only legitimate authority to announce the official election results.

Similarly, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the recent developments, deciding to suspend Guinea-Bissau’s membership in all ECOWAS bodies. This decision followed an emergency summit held by the regional bloc's leaders to address the crisis.